Table of Contents
India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team matches have become an increasingly important rivalry in international women’s cricket. The two teams have competed across Tests, One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals, with India holding a strong overall record in Tests and ODIs while the T20I rivalry has become much more competitive.
The rivalry began in the late 1990s and has developed significantly as South Africa established themselves as a major force in women’s cricket. India have traditionally enjoyed an advantage in 50-over cricket, while South Africa have produced several strong performances in T20 cricket.
The rivalry reached a historic point in 2025 when India and South Africa met in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final. India won that match by 52 runs in Navi Mumbai to claim their first-ever Women’s Cricket World Cup title.
As of 2026, the two teams have played 63 international matches across the three formats: three Tests, 35 ODIs and 25 T20Is. India have won all three Tests, lead the ODI head-to-head 21-13 and are level with South Africa at 11 wins apiece in T20Is.
India Women vs South Africa Women Head-to-Head Record
The overall head-to-head record shows India’s strength in Test and ODI cricket, while the T20I rivalry is much closer.
| Format | Matches | India Women Wins | South Africa Women Wins | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| ODIs | 35 | 21 | 13 | 1 |
| T20Is | 25 | 11 | 11 | 3 |
| Total | 63 | 35 | 24 | 4 |
India’s dominance is especially clear in Test cricket, where they have won every match against South Africa. In ODIs, India also have a considerable advantage, while the T20I record is exactly level according to the latest available head-to-head record.
Beginning of the India Women vs South Africa Women Rivalry
India Women and South Africa Women first met in international cricket in 1997. Since then, the teams have developed a competitive relationship across women’s international cricket.
During the early years of the rivalry, India were generally the stronger side in ODI cricket. India’s experience in international women’s cricket gave them an advantage, while South Africa were still developing their women’s cricket program.
Over time, South Africa produced a strong generation of players including Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Dane van Niekerk, Lizelle Lee and later Laura Wolvaardt.
India also developed several generations of outstanding players, including Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma.
India Women vs South Africa Women Test Matches
India and South Africa have played three women’s Test matches, with India winning all three.
Women’s Test cricket between these teams has been relatively rare compared with their ODI and T20I meetings. However, the Test matches that have been played have been important for both teams.
India’s success in the format demonstrates their strength in longer-form women’s cricket. Their experienced batting line-up and quality spin bowling have often given them an advantage over South Africa.
The limited number of Test matches also means that every future Test between the teams is likely to receive considerable attention.
India Women vs South Africa Women ODI History
ODI cricket is the format in which India have established the clearest advantage.
The teams have played 35 ODIs, with India winning 21 and South Africa winning 13. One match has produced another result.
The rivalry has featured several important bilateral series, triangular tournaments and ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup matches.
India’s strong record has been built around consistent batting, quality spin bowling and experience in 50-over cricket. South Africa, however, have regularly challenged India through players such as Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka.
2025 Tri-Nation Series Matches
India and South Africa met twice during the 2025 Women’s Tri-Nation Series in Sri Lanka.
India won both encounters.
On April 29, 2025, India scored 276/6 and bowled South Africa out for 261, winning by 15 runs.
On May 7, India scored 337/9 while South Africa replied with 314/7. India won by 23 runs.
| Date | India Women | South Africa Women | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 April 2025 | 276/6 | 261 | India won by 15 runs |
| 7 May 2025 | 337/9 | 314/7 | India won by 23 runs |
These matches provided an important preview of the two teams before the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup.
2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup Group Match
India and South Africa met again during the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup group stage in Visakhapatnam.
South Africa won the match by three wickets.
India were dismissed for 251 in 49.5 overs. South Africa then successfully chased the target, reaching 252/7 in 48.5 overs.
The result was important because it showed that South Africa could defeat India in a major ICC tournament even after India had beaten them twice earlier in the year.
Laura Wolvaardt and the South African batting line-up played an important role in the successful chase.
2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup Final
The biggest India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team match to date was the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup final.
The final was played at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on November 2, 2025.
India batted first and scored 298/7 in 50 overs. Shafali Verma played a brilliant innings of 87, while Deepti Sharma contributed a valuable 58.
South Africa started their chase positively, with captain Laura Wolvaardt scoring 101. At one stage, South Africa appeared capable of challenging India’s total.
However, Deepti Sharma changed the match with a crucial spell of 5/39. South Africa eventually collapsed and were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs.
India won by 52 runs and lifted the Women’s Cricket World Cup for the first time in their history.
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| India Women | 298/7 | India won |
| South Africa Women | 246 | India won by 52 runs |
Shafali Verma was named Player of the Match, while Deepti Sharma was named Player of the Series after an outstanding tournament.
India Women vs South Africa Women T20I History
T20 cricket has produced a much more balanced rivalry.
India Women and South Africa Women have played 25 T20Is. Both teams have won 11 matches, while three matches have produced other results according to the latest head-to-head record.
The T20 format has allowed South Africa to make greater use of their power hitters and athletic fielders, while India have relied on players such as Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma.
The competitive nature of the T20I record makes this one of the more closely matched women’s international rivalries.
2026 India Women vs South Africa Women T20I Series
The latest bilateral T20I series between India and South Africa took place in April 2026.
South Africa won the five-match series 3-2. The Proteas won the first three matches before India responded by winning the fourth T20I. South Africa then won the fifth match to claim the series.
The first T20I at Kingsmead saw South Africa chase India’s 157/7 successfully, reaching 158/4 and winning by six wickets.
South Africa won the second match by eight wickets after India were dismissed for 147.
The third T20I was another South African victory. India scored 192/4, but South Africa chased the target in only 16.3 overs, reaching 193/1 and winning by nine wickets.
India fought back in the fourth match. They scored 185/5 and restricted South Africa to 171/9, winning by 14 runs.
South Africa completed the series victory in the fifth match at Benoni, scoring 155/6 and restricting India to 132/8. They won by 23 runs.
| T20I | India Women | South Africa Women | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | 157/7 | 158/4 | South Africa won by 6 wickets |
| 2nd T20I | 147 | 148/2 | South Africa won by 8 wickets |
| 3rd T20I | 192/4 | 193/1 | South Africa won by 9 wickets |
| 4th T20I | 185/5 | 171/9 | India won by 14 runs |
| 5th T20I | 132/8 | 155/6 | South Africa won by 23 runs |
| Series | 2 wins | 3 wins | South Africa won 3-2 |
The series demonstrated just how competitive the T20I rivalry has become.
2026 Women’s T20 World Cup Match
India and South Africa met again at the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The match took place at Old Trafford in Manchester on June 21, 2026.
India batted first and scored 158/7 from their 20 overs. Shafali Verma provided an aggressive start, while India’s middle order attempted to build a competitive total.
South Africa produced an excellent chase. Marizanne Kapp was the star performer, scoring an unbeaten 81 from only 45 balls. She also took two wickets for 27 runs.
South Africa reached 161/4 in 19.1 overs and won by six wickets.
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| India Women | 158/7 | — |
| South Africa Women | 161/4 | South Africa won by 6 wickets |
Kapp’s all-round performance made her the clear Player of the Match and kept South Africa’s semifinal hopes alive.
Recent India Women vs South Africa Women Match Results
The recent results show a fascinating pattern. India won the 2025 World Cup final, while South Africa responded with strong performances during the 2026 T20I series and T20 World Cup.
| Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 21 June 2026 | Women’s T20 World Cup | South Africa won by 6 wickets |
| 27 April 2026 | 5th T20I | South Africa won by 23 runs |
| 25 April 2026 | 4th T20I | India won by 14 runs |
| 22 April 2026 | 3rd T20I | South Africa won by 9 wickets |
| 19 April 2026 | 2nd T20I | South Africa won by 8 wickets |
| 17 April 2026 | 1st T20I | South Africa won by 6 wickets |
| 2 November 2025 | Women’s World Cup Final | India won by 52 runs |
| 9 October 2025 | Women’s World Cup | South Africa won by 3 wickets |
| 7 May 2025 | Tri-Nation Series | India won by 23 runs |
| 29 April 2025 | Tri-Nation Series | India won by 15 runs |
The most recent ten meetings before the 2026 T20 World Cup were evenly split at five wins each, showing how closely matched the teams have become in recent years.
Famous India Women vs South Africa Women Matches
Several matches stand out in the history of the rivalry.
The 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup final is unquestionably the most significant. India scored 298/7 and defeated South Africa by 52 runs to win their first Women’s Cricket World Cup.
The 2025 group-stage match was another important contest because South Africa chased 252 to defeat India by three wickets.
The 2026 T20I series also produced several memorable games. South Africa’s nine-wicket victory in the third T20I was especially impressive because they chased 193 in only 16.3 overs.
The 2026 T20 World Cup match at Old Trafford was another major encounter. Marizanne Kapp’s 81 not out helped South Africa defeat India by six wickets.
Key Players in India Women vs South Africa Women Matches
The rivalry has featured some of the biggest names in women’s cricket.
India’s important players include Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Deepti Sharma, Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues.
South Africa have been represented by stars including Marizanne Kapp, Laura Wolvaardt, Mignon du Preez, Dane van Niekerk, Lizelle Lee and Shabnim Ismail.
Deepti Sharma played a decisive role in India’s 2025 World Cup final victory. She scored 58 runs and then took 5/39 to help dismiss South Africa for 246.
Marizanne Kapp produced the opposite type of match-winning performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup, scoring 81 not out and taking two wickets against India.
Harmanpreet Kaur vs South Africa
Harmanpreet Kaur has been an important figure in India’s rivalry with South Africa.
As one of India’s most experienced players, she has faced South Africa in all three formats and has played an important role in India’s middle order.
Her leadership has also helped India navigate high-pressure matches against South Africa in World Cups and bilateral series.
The 2026 T20 World Cup meeting was particularly notable because it was Harmanpreet Kaur’s record 200th T20 international.
Marizanne Kapp vs India
Marizanne Kapp is one of South Africa’s most influential players against India.
Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her particularly valuable in major matches.
Her outstanding performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup demonstrated this perfectly. She took 2/27 and then scored an unbeaten 81 from 45 balls to guide South Africa to victory.
Kapp’s performances have made her one of the most important players in the modern India Women vs South Africa Women rivalry.
India Women vs South Africa Women World Cup Rivalry
World Cup cricket has become a major part of this rivalry.
The 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup was especially important because India and South Africa met twice during the tournament.
South Africa won the group-stage match by three wickets, but India produced a much stronger performance in the final.
India’s 52-run victory in the final gave them their first Women’s Cricket World Cup title. Deepti Sharma’s five-wicket haul and Shafali Verma’s 87 were central to the victory.
The two teams therefore entered the 2026 T20 World Cup with a rivalry that had already produced both a group-stage South African victory and a World Cup final triumph for India.
India Women vs South Africa Women Records
| Record Category | India Women | South Africa Women |
|---|---|---|
| Test matches | 3 | 3 |
| Test wins | 3 | 0 |
| ODI matches | 35 | 35 |
| ODI wins | 21 | 13 |
| T20I matches | 25 | 25 |
| T20I wins | 11 | 11 |
| Overall international wins | 35 | 24 |
| 2025 World Cup Final | Won | Lost |
| 2026 T20I Series | Lost 2-3 | Won 3-2 |
| 2026 T20 World Cup | Lost | Won |
The historical numbers give India the overall advantage, particularly because of their Test and ODI records. The T20I rivalry, however, is much more evenly balanced.
Why India Women vs South Africa Women Matches Are Important
India Women vs South Africa Women matches are important because both countries have developed strong women’s cricket programs.
India have a large domestic cricket structure and a growing pool of international players. South Africa have also established themselves as a leading women’s cricket nation, with world-class players and strong performances in ICC competitions.
The rivalry has become particularly significant in World Cups. The 2025 final demonstrated that these teams can compete for the biggest trophy in women’s cricket.
T20 cricket has made the contest even more unpredictable because South Africa have shown they can challenge India’s traditional advantage in ODI cricket.
Future of the India Women vs South Africa Women Rivalry
The future of this rivalry looks highly competitive.
South Africa’s improvement in T20 cricket has created a much closer contest, while India continue to possess a strong record in ODI and Test cricket.
The 2026 T20I series showed South Africa’s ability to win a multi-match series in their home conditions, while India’s World Cup victory in 2025 demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure in a major final.
As both teams continue to compete in ICC tournaments and bilateral series, more important India Women vs South Africa Women matches are expected in the coming years.
Final Thoughts
India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team matches have developed into an important rivalry in women’s international cricket.
India currently have the stronger overall record. They have won all three Tests and lead South Africa 21-13 in ODIs. The T20I record is much closer, with both teams having 11 wins each according to the latest head-to-head statistics.
The rivalry reached its biggest stage in November 2025 when India defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the Women’s Cricket World Cup final. India scored 298/7 before dismissing South Africa for 246, securing their first World Cup title.
South Africa responded strongly in 2026, winning the five-match T20I series 3-2 and defeating India again in the Women’s T20 World Cup. Marizanne Kapp’s unbeaten 81 powered South Africa to a six-wicket victory at Old Trafford.
With experienced stars on both sides and an increasingly competitive T20 rivalry, India Women vs South Africa Women matches should remain an important fixture in international women’s cricket.
How many times have India Women and South Africa Women played each other?
India Women and South Africa Women have played 63 international matches across Tests, ODIs and T20Is according to the latest available head-to-head record. These include three Tests, 35 ODIs and 25 T20Is.
Who has won more India Women vs South Africa Women matches?
India Women have the stronger overall record. They have won all three Tests and 21 of the 35 ODIs, while South Africa have won 13 ODIs. The T20I record is level at 11 wins each.
Who won the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup final between India and South Africa?
India Women won the final by 52 runs in Navi Mumbai. India scored 298/7 and bowled South Africa out for 246. Shafali Verma scored 87 and Deepti Sharma took 5/39.
Who won the 2026 India Women vs South Africa T20I series?
South Africa Women won the five-match 2026 T20I series 3-2. South Africa won the first three matches, India won the fourth, and South Africa won the fifth match by 23 runs.
Who won the latest India Women vs South Africa Women match?
South Africa Women won the latest meeting covered by the current records, defeating India by six wickets in the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup. India scored 158/7, while South Africa reached 161/4 in 19.1 overs. Marizanne Kapp scored an unbeaten 81.
